Wenmei Zhang

What work experience have you had?

I have worked at Alexander McQueen as an accessory design assistant for 3 months and gained experience drawing and making samples. I also learned research skills and how to make luxury samples. I have worked full time at Patricia Nicolas fashion jewellery.

Who are you collaborating with for the catwalk show?

I have been paired with Ekaterina Gerasimova, her work compliments my work really well – we’re both sponsored by saga furs and won competitions to go to Denmark.

What do you love most about LCF?

The tutors have given me lots of useful advice and the resources and equipment have been vital for my pieces.

What is your favourite part of your collection?

My favourites are the ear muffs, I love the material. I think the most successful pieces are the combs made of special acrylic, tortoise shell with marble effect. My pieces were an extensive process of trial and error! I was inspired by Mongolian people for this collection. I come from a place in China where fur was very readily available and was very much part of my upbringing, so it feels part of who I am and therefore part of my collection.

Who are you inspired by?

I really admire designers like Søren Bach, a millinery designer from Copenhagen who specialises in fur accessories.